Great comparison of the two skis and platforms, it was awesome to have Greg’s opinions on the skis as well. You two have lots of experience riding different models from all three brands so I appreciate your insights.
Yamaha really needed to supply an FX for a comparison. I really think all 3 machines are great, but each shine in different way that make them each the right choice for each particular buyer.
1. Yamaha had zero media units available, 2. Yamaha detests shootouts and will never participate, 3. We purposefully included the two 300+ horsepower models
Yamaha can't keep up with their customer demand never mind have a demo ski to spare. Twice in the last 3 years I have brought a sea Doo instead of a Yamaha because this is just no supply. 2021 they canceled my order outright and told me memorial day weekend, 2023 dealer said they don't have a eta on when machines will arrive but they can take a deposit. Went and brought a 300 limmited. I'm done playing Yamaha games.
Personally I like the style and comfort of the Seadoo but I bet that larger fuel tank in the Kawasaki is much appreciated with these supercharged machines. That Kawi storage seems cumbersome too and you have the extra weight. Seadoo for overall ride quality and Kawi for performance
Actually it's more likely that the roots style superchargers as used on the K is well known to be more thirsty than the centrifugal style supercharger as used on the SD. Shootout tests between the two say the K runs out of gas first by some margin.
You are spot on about the ST3 hull… having attended several Mudbugs myself I quickly learned about the bow hunt and how unsettling that can be when you’re riding in a large pack. I find myself always looking to be on the far outside or near the front of the group to avoid that challenge. My next ski will likely not be another Sea-Doo.
I suspect with the success of the fishpro that if the explorer pro does well also BRP will be able to justify the engineering and mold expense to develope a new hull for the GTX and RXT (once they get a handle on their supply chain issues), perhaps for the '25 model year. I have a '17 RXT-X (last year of the S3 hull) and it is great in chop, I wouldn't trade it for an ST3 version.
I really want to know which one is more suitable for family use, sea doo or Kawasaki Ultra 310LX (I usually ride with my children), and occasionally go fishing or something, so which one has better stability? Can you give me some advice? Any opinion? Thank you very much!
Great job Kevin & Greg on the review and comparison. I agree with most of what you guys have already said. My choice would be the Ultra for the win! Once again thanks for the great content & sharing. Billy D
I am torn between SeaDoo and Kawasaki….I like the fact that Kawasaki has more durable fiberglass but then when it comes to the cooling systems, which PWC will fair better in the long run when it comes down to engine&cooling system maintenance issues? If I went with Kawasaki, I am actually looking at The Ultra 310 LX-S because I would like to put my scuba gear on the rear of the PWC but the SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 has caught my attention for just this capability! Thank you for doing this spectacular comparison video and I look forward to watching this channel to help me decide which PWC would be best for me!
Nobody works on Kawasaki , except the dealer . That might be a deal breaker in a few years of ownership. The reason being, they just don't have a large market of them out there for a shop to have all the diagnostic equipment, and special tooling to get them repaired.Word on the street, Kawi's are having some electrical issues, and sit in the dealer for several months to be repaired ?
I don't understand. That guy said if you want a slower dry ride, take the seadoo, but the seadoo has a higher top speed and faster acceleration. Someone explain the logic to this. To me, the kawasaki is a slower wet ride, and the seadoo would be a faster dry ride. 310 hp that is a pissing contest number as well.
Actually no. The 310 was an accidental byproduct of improving internal operating temperatures (larger cooling circuits, priority oiling jets, etc.) that bumped it an added 10HP - and yes, it's a true 309.8HP on the dyno chart. I have a copy. And the Sea-Doo hull is wide and flat like a barge, lifting the bow and spraying outward. The Kawi's hull is a DEEP-V which requires SPEED to rise the hull on to plane, and it's sharp deadrise sprays the water upward. Pretty basic stuff.
@The Watercraft Journal so was it the barge part that makes it a slow dry ride despite a higher top speed and better acceleration? The focus is the slow part. FYI, I think you missed that the first time around. The dry part needs no explanation.
Everyone has their warts. Kawasaki has the worst fuel consumption in the market. Sea-Doos have a carbon seal. Kawasaki doesn't use stainless hardware. Sea-Doo's BRP Go! app is heinous to navigate and inoperable with a weak Wifi signal. The list goes on.
That Kawi monster superchargers can be addictive, and as far non stainless steel hardware I would spray coated with a rust protectant to be safe. Thanks for the feedback Kevin@@watercraftjournal
Kinda misleading to make a blanket statement that Kawi doesn't use stainless hardware. They do on most of the ski. Not on parts of the engine which a squirt of WD 40 takes care of.
Just picked up my 310x Saturday and can’t wait to finally ride it. Kawi did such a good job with the refresh but all the bells and whistles on the new skies need to go.
I'm grateful that at the end the Kawasaki preacher guy conceded that not everyone wants to go 80 KM/HR in rough water standing up and brushing buoys. My cottage is on a Lake Muskoka and we fish on streams and other calm lakes. The stability of the ST3 HULL for me is a game changer. But kudos with the Kawi if your just in it for a thrill ride.
I could not agree more about the "bow hunting" as you refer to it on the ST3 platform. I know you've brought this topic up in the past, experiencing it firsthand is definitely unsettling until you get used to it. I'm learning how to track better thanks to your past videos and will be ordering Riva sponsons soon. Greg is right about the nav/phone options. I don't use them, thought I would lol.
This video came on the recommendation at just the right time as I'm looking to add another PWC to the stable. Will be looking at the Kawasaki to join my Yamaha just in time for summer. Thank you so much.
Any comment on fuel consumption? Given that they both need premium and that oil prices aren't going to be heading down any time soon I'd be curious to get an idea of how much worse the Ultra is on account of its greater hull drag.
I really like what kawasaki did with the ultra though good to see them update it! How is the new brake/slow down system on the ultra compared to sea doo? I've tested between my gp and gtr and give the edge to sea doo between those brands.
Kevin, to your knowledge is Kawasaki aware of the positive reception the new Ultra is getting and will this make the put some more effort into future skis e.g. maybe making two different N/A Ultras and an STX310. Build competitive skis that people want and they will sell!
Yes it appears like it would but it absolutely does not! There’s a very deep lip that keeps things from bouncing out. I personally pulled out GoPro cameras from the side at full speed again and again.
The gullwing storage is very functional. Holds a lot and dropping stuff is not the issue people bring up. I always liked the Sea Doo storage but didn't like the absence of cupholders. Never even thought about the fact you can't access it underway til mentioned here. That knocks it down a lot.
I'll be really curious to see what SeaDoo does with their next hull. I know you've said in previous videos that they acknowledge the flaws in their hull, especially when compared to their competitors. We'll see if they end up moving on from the ST3 in a shorter period than previous hulls.
@@watercraftjournal So would you say the hull in the RXP is better? I’m looking for something better in chop so I was thinking RXT but would the RXP do better with the different hull or even worse?
I preordered a 2023 sea doo gtx 300 limited. I was wanting the wake pro 230 (for its wake sports options). When I learned I could add all the same features to the gtx limited 300, and that it and the wake pro would basically be the same ski, just one with more horsepower and different color. I went with the limited. I and some of my family enjoy water sports, skiing, wakeboarding, pulling kids on tubes). I liked the storage and the fact that sea doo had a ski specifically made for those sports. Then I learned about the new kawi. And it’s impressive!! We will only ever ride on lakes in the summer, and will probably avoid chop, since we’ll mostly be using this for water sports and giving the kiddos rides. For this reason I decided the “bow hunting.” In the chop Would probably not be a problem for us. Am I wrong? Should I have ordered this new kawi?
@@watercraftjournal sorry, I didn’t mean to ask “what to buy”. But was just putting out there where my thoughts were. I’ve never found a good tow sports comparison between brands. Ever thought of putting one out there? I’ve found great info from watercraft journal. Thanks for the in-depths!
@@americanworker2604 I’m looking to buy one for family fun, not really into the crazy things :-) will this work for me? Have a 6&7 year old I want to cruise around with me
Kawi storage is a perfect example of style over substance. Like making a beautiful shoe that gives you blisters or a stylish Tucker car that you couldn't open the door cuz it would hit the curb.
Great comparison but honestly the looks of the seadoo is on another level compared to the ultra. There are way too many lines on the ultra and it’s just ugly to me (my opinion). The fx looks better than the ultra. The bow hunting is a issue I had in my T3 hull but was basically completely fixed with a cheap set of sponsons from riva. The real difference in those skis in terms of speed is crazy most people are getting 77-78 mph with a scom and a rear air intake on the gtx/rxtx where as the ultra is hard to get to 75. So below the bond line the ultra is the same as before which is tried and true in rough water and offshore. So the choice is where you ride and how you ride and what you like in terms of looks
Disagreed and disproven on several points: sponsons HELP don’t resolve the hull issue whatsoever (that’s why no racer runs the ST3); No RIVA sponsons are cheap 🤣; looks are subjective for sure; T3 is an RXP hull not RXT hull.
@@watercraftjournal well that’s what opinions are for and to say racers don’t use the st3 hull you need to look at racing again they may not be used in closed course but that racing is basically dead been there done that it was crap in 2011 and it’s crap now the st3 is used in aqua x but the fx and gp1800 are more dominant in that racing scene. I value the opinion from watercraft journal but just remember not everyone feels the same opinions are like assholes every has one and they all stink. Btw that ultra is ugly just like the color of that gtx. There isn’t a single thing you can do to make that ultra look better at least you can wrap that gtx. The ultra hasn’t looked good since the old two stroke days. 🤣
Actually, no. Not all opinions are the same because some are informed, experienced and routinely proven reliable. And others are just as you said, opinions. Despite your entirely correct statement on the state of the racing scene, the ST3 was immediately adopted in 2018 by the offshore/endurance crowd and then rapidly dropped by ALL Sea-Doo racers in favor of the RXP-X (with many going back to older RXP-X models) due to the ST3's terrible design. The ST3 is NOT used by any Top 10 racer in AquaX, nor has the hull ever (and I mean this literally) reached a podium since its introduction in 2018.
@@watercraftjournal yep definitely not in the top 10 you are right but have seen them. But let’s get this one straight too how many ultras have you seen in the top 10. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a ultra racing other than the Mark Hahn race. The problem with people’s opinions is 99% of people are biased to a brand or company no opinion is 100% unbiased. I enjoy you guys videos opinions and look forward to them being posted keep up the good content and remember I’m just some guy from Florida lol.
In briefly looking over the rankings, Kawasaki enters the fray routinely, particularly in the Endurance races. Prior to signing on with Broward, Eric Francis rode Kawasakis to national and global championships beating out HUGE players including Chris MacClugage, Troy Snyder and Erminio Iantosca. Others like Jason Russo did the same. Only after signing with larger sponsors did they switch to Yamaha.
Looking at them from the front while you speak Kevin shows just how different they are in size. The Kawasaki “ LOOKS” ginormous compared to the Sea Doo. Particularly in width. As to weight, 120 lbs is a female passenger difference with the Kawasaki.
Nah seadoos are just sheet brah!! Get with the times. Only people that like seadoos are the fan boys! I used to love seadoos, but every single one had an issue and let me down!! As much as I don’t like the look of the Yamaha’s. They have been reliable and never let me down. I might buy a Kawasaki in the future!! But seadoo, never again!!!
coming from a seadoo owner.... that Ultra is FN SICK. The front end looks like it wants to eat you... lol. Very nice machines too. Ive ran into a few at the lake.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE END OF THE YEAR SALES ON THESE SKIIS. KAWASAKI WAS A PIONEER BACK IN THE DAY OF STAND UPS BUT REALLY HAS FALLEN OFF, SEADOO IS A DOMINATING SKI WHICH SALES THAT CAN BE TOUCHED. ANY THOUGHTS? LOVE THE VIDEOS
Fun fact: There was a very small gator off to Greg's right side (20-30ft. back). It was no longer than 2-feet long, but it was curious enough to hang out.
For your 5-60 seconds time results... I didnt hear it mentioned if the same rider was piloting each Ski or not? In your lists of comparisons I didn't hear it mentioned what the Load Capacity of each Ski was? I looked the Specs up, the Sea Doo's Capacity is 600 Lbs whereas the Kawasaki's is only 496 Lbs. Which gives the Sea Doo a big advantage to heavier Rider's with Passengers. Randy AKA randog311
I dont get it. "In all, the newly minted 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX beat out the Sea-Doo in most categories either by a considerable leap or just by a squeak. Sea-Doo fared better in speed numbers, superior fuel consumption, offering a drier, more comfortable ride and a lower price entry for sure." "While the final results were close, we have to award the win to Ultra. The ride is just superior in nearly every imaginable metric." So the seadoo gets better acceleration, speed numbers, better fuel consumption, better storage, a drier ride, a more comfortable ride, and costs less, but was allegedly blown away by the Kawi? And on the topic of ride, the ride in the Ultra was superior in nearly every imaginable metric, except for comfort?
No it’s very comfortable; a far, far superior ride; more features; better sound system; more storage; better interface; better build quality; etc. The ST3 hull is singularly the worst designed full sized 3-seater hull sold on the market today. The BRP Premium Tech Package failed every measurable metric we threw at it. The center storage is convenient but small, eliminates a functional glovebox, has zero provisions for a drink or sunscreen, and cannot be accessed (safely) at any speed above idle.
@@watercraftjournal hah! This is what I was looking for Kevin. I live on a small lake which can get choppy from other riders and boats or even wind. My entry level 2019 Sea Doo Wave 155 beats the crap out of me. Howeve I am 65 years old:-) --- I have some VERY large lakes around me and want comfort and something that will handle chop. I don’t race or go crazy. This week I have a choice to purchase a 2023 Sea Doo GTX 300 Limited or a 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310 X. After watching your video and tons of comments I’m going with ……………… Kawasaki 300X (it might even be the LX-S) thank you Kevin for your HUGE knowledge base and experience.
When they were talking about the sound system it really pissed me off. I own a 2023 Seadoo RXP-X 300 and I have a bunch of mods on it. I can get it up to 83mph. I can hear my sound system Clearly at 80mph so they are straight up lying to you saying that you can't hear the seadoo above 60mph.
I'm wondering if Kawasaki has some cash in this game as you spend most of the video talking about the Kawasaki and not so much about the Sea Doo. Or is it just personal bias? I own both a Sea Doo and a Kawasaki, and I'm really biased toward neither. Each one has it's good points and it's bad points and more suited to different types of riding. I would like to have heard what conditions each of these excel in under a variety of water and weather conditions, not a one to one comparison. Secondly, you have two cruising jet skis and it seems as though you spent the entire time riding on flat water which says little to nothing about long range cruising in poor weather conditions. A much better evaluation would have to taken them to a location with some steady 10-15 mph winds and a significant amount of fetch. See how you feel after a day ride in that, and can you access your gear while stopped on the water. I've pretty much wasted 30 minutes of my time listening about all the features that I could have seen for myself down at the local dealership.
I wish they could incorporate the hull tracking of the Kawi into the sea doo. I just find the ultra design so freakin ugly. Looks like the AMC Pacer of the jet ski world. I realize looks are subjective though :) Great comparison guys.
@@watercraftjournal Haha! It looks more like a transport pod from spaceballs than a 69 Stingray Kevin. Comedically Japanese stylings. A little too much so ,for me. Each their own.
Seen both 310 videos by him and each is totally slanted to the 310. Oh the 300 is faster…. Well I really don’t count top speed… yeah because the 310 is slower. I notice they don’t run them against each other so you can see the 300 stomp the 310.
When I having a Job's worked as ♎ government with allowance 🏠 singles storey corner rm600 I will buying a 🌊 runner 1300GP Yamaha with Limited New Edition RM 57,000 , Kawasaki Ultra 310xLP with price RM 76,690 and then Sea Doo RX300 with prices RM 87,570 and buying a Toyota's Hilux with price RM 95,879 4X4 single cab.
The looks of the Kawi have done nothing but grow on me. Colors of LX are not my favorite but on the water in sunlight is very sharp. Orange and green LXS models are great as well as the x. The gullwing storage is very functional.
This shit is just comical The Sea-Doo has 25 gallons of storage and that’s not a lot. The Kawasaki has 10 gallons of storage that’s a lot ! like I get you love Kawasaki but come on dude.
I understand that you're retarded so I'll go slow: The Sea-Doo ST3 has 25 gallons TOTAL. The Kawasaki has 46.5 gallons of storage TOTAL (10 gallons in the glovebox/cowl storage). That's a difference of 21.5 gallons.
Awesome video's Kevin, always great content. I have a question im hoping you may provide your opinion. I'm torn between the Seadoo GTR 230 and Ultra 310LX. I am predominantly using it for ocean use, mostly light swell, to tow the kids on a tube and throw the ski around. Which would you suggest?
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
You just don’t find PWC reviews like this anywhere else online…. Great work guys!
Appreciated
This comparison is invaluable to anyone looking to make a purchase between the two... great job!!
Appreciated
Great comparison of the two skis and platforms, it was awesome to have Greg’s opinions on the skis as well. You two have lots of experience riding different models from all three brands so I appreciate your insights.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yamaha really needed to supply an FX for a comparison. I really think all 3 machines are great, but each shine in different way that make them each the right choice for each particular buyer.
1. Yamaha had zero media units available, 2. Yamaha detests shootouts and will never participate, 3. We purposefully included the two 300+ horsepower models
Yamaha can't keep up with their customer demand never mind have a demo ski to spare. Twice in the last 3 years I have brought a sea Doo instead of a Yamaha because this is just no supply. 2021 they canceled my order outright and told me memorial day weekend, 2023 dealer said they don't have a eta on when machines will arrive but they can take a deposit. Went and brought a 300 limmited. I'm done playing Yamaha games.
Personally I like the style and comfort of the Seadoo but I bet that larger fuel tank in the Kawasaki is much appreciated with these supercharged machines. That Kawi storage seems cumbersome too and you have the extra weight. Seadoo for overall ride quality and Kawi for performance
Sea-Doo for overall ergonomics, Kawi for all around better ride quality.
Actually it's more likely that the roots style superchargers as used on the K is well known to be more thirsty than the centrifugal style supercharger as used on the SD. Shootout tests between the two say the K runs out of gas first by some margin.
Both you and Greg’s insights on these two machines makes this a great comparison.
Appreciated
You are spot on about the ST3 hull… having attended several Mudbugs myself I quickly learned about the bow hunt and how unsettling that can be when you’re riding in a large pack. I find myself always looking to be on the far outside or near the front of the group to avoid that challenge. My next ski will likely not be another Sea-Doo.
Interesting!
I suspect with the success of the fishpro that if the explorer pro does well also BRP will be able to justify the engineering and mold expense to develope a new hull for the GTX and RXT (once they get a handle on their supply chain issues), perhaps for the '25 model year. I have a '17 RXT-X (last year of the S3 hull) and it is great in chop, I wouldn't trade it for an ST3 version.
Has anyone found upgrading the sponsons helps with the bow hunt on the ST3 hull?
@@alexkluh1407the ST3 hull is horrible. First Sea-Doo I have owned. Like the ski but hate the ride in the chop.
I like having Greg there for his opinion. You both may have the same feelings, but it’s nice to here it from an alternate source. Nice work!
That’s why we brought him in
Awesome Review guys! Makes me want to have nice weather this weekend!
Awesome
WOW, I love the Kaw Ultra 310, but they are super hard to find!!
Yup. I just got luck on one in Michigan. 23
I bought 2020 310r because of the large storage area.
I really want to know which one is more suitable for family use, sea doo or Kawasaki Ultra 310LX (I usually ride with my children), and occasionally go fishing or something, so which one has better stability? Can you give me some advice? Any opinion? Thank you very much!
Thanks to you I just ordered a 2023 310lx. Any idea when the 2023 might get delivered to ny based on last year? Great info as always
No idea regarding timeframes.
Not sure if this helps on arrival time but my 310x showed up last week wed at Heblers in Pendleton ny. I ordered like 3 months ago.
Great job Kevin & Greg on the review and comparison. I agree with most of what you guys have already said. My choice would be the Ultra for the win! Once again thanks for the great content & sharing.
Billy D
It was close
@@jerplane400 Nothing wrong with that Jerplane400
I am torn between SeaDoo and Kawasaki….I like the fact that Kawasaki has more durable fiberglass but then when it comes to the cooling systems, which PWC will fair better in the long run when it comes down to engine&cooling system maintenance issues? If I went with Kawasaki, I am actually looking at The Ultra 310 LX-S because I would like to put my scuba gear on the rear of the PWC but the SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 has caught my attention for just this capability! Thank you for doing this spectacular comparison video and I look forward to watching this channel to help me decide which PWC would be best for me!
Nobody works on Kawasaki , except the dealer . That might be a deal breaker in a few years of ownership. The reason being, they just don't have a large market of them out there for a shop to have all the diagnostic equipment, and special tooling to get them repaired.Word on the street, Kawi's are having some electrical issues, and sit in the dealer for several months to be repaired ?
@@scottr3141thank you for that information.
Im leaning heavy towards the Kawasaki
Great skis. Nothing better then being on the water with these machines.
One a little more than the other.
I don't understand. That guy said if you want a slower dry ride, take the seadoo, but the seadoo has a higher top speed and faster acceleration. Someone explain the logic to this. To me, the kawasaki is a slower wet ride, and the seadoo would be a faster dry ride. 310 hp that is a pissing contest number as well.
Actually no. The 310 was an accidental byproduct of improving internal operating temperatures (larger cooling circuits, priority oiling jets, etc.) that bumped it an added 10HP - and yes, it's a true 309.8HP on the dyno chart. I have a copy. And the Sea-Doo hull is wide and flat like a barge, lifting the bow and spraying outward. The Kawi's hull is a DEEP-V which requires SPEED to rise the hull on to plane, and it's sharp deadrise sprays the water upward. Pretty basic stuff.
@The Watercraft Journal so was it the barge part that makes it a slow dry ride despite a higher top speed and better acceleration? The focus is the slow part. FYI, I think you missed that the first time around. The dry part needs no explanation.
100%
Don’t care about half second the Kawasaki ride is incredible!
What is the reliability difference on these two and which one is easier to maintain?
Everyone has their warts. Kawasaki has the worst fuel consumption in the market. Sea-Doos have a carbon seal. Kawasaki doesn't use stainless hardware. Sea-Doo's BRP Go! app is heinous to navigate and inoperable with a weak Wifi signal. The list goes on.
That Kawi monster superchargers can be addictive, and as far non stainless steel hardware I would spray coated with a rust protectant to be safe. Thanks for the feedback Kevin@@watercraftjournal
Kinda misleading to make a blanket statement that Kawi doesn't use stainless hardware. They do on most of the ski. Not on parts of the engine which a squirt of WD 40 takes care of.
Why don't these things have android auto or Apple car play?
Why???
Just picked up my 310x Saturday and can’t wait to finally ride it. Kawi did such a good job with the refresh but all the bells and whistles on the new skies need to go.
Kevin prefers the 310X over the 310LX for this reason.
I hope you make more comparison videos!
Do Yamaha FX series and Sea-Doo RXT/RXP also use a fly by wire system? Or it's only on Kawasaki skis currently?
All are fly-by-wire now
All are fly-by-wire now
Great review. Does the rxt x with the x sponsons hold better in tight turns then the gtx sponsons ? Assuming that you’ve rode the rxt and gtx. Thanks
The X-sponsons are SLIGHTLY better, but still cannot undue the design of the hull itself. We do strongly recommend RIVA's Pro Series sponsons though.
I'm grateful that at the end the Kawasaki preacher guy conceded that not everyone wants to go 80 KM/HR in rough water standing up and brushing buoys. My cottage is on a Lake Muskoka and we fish on streams and other calm lakes. The stability of the ST3 HULL for me is a game changer. But kudos with the Kawi if your just in it for a thrill ride.
"Kawasaki preacher guy" - that's a first.
@@watercraftjournal NO offence intended😀. Love your reviews!!
I could not agree more about the "bow hunting" as you refer to it on the ST3 platform. I know you've brought this topic up in the past, experiencing it firsthand is definitely unsettling until you get used to it. I'm learning how to track better thanks to your past videos and will be ordering Riva sponsons soon. Greg is right about the nav/phone options. I don't use them, thought I would lol.
IT’s demonstrated very clearly in this video twice.
This video came on the recommendation at just the right time as I'm looking to add another PWC to the stable. Will be looking at the Kawasaki to join my Yamaha just in time for summer. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Any comment on fuel consumption? Given that they both need premium and that oil prices aren't going to be heading down any time soon I'd be curious to get an idea of how much worse the Ultra is on account of its greater hull drag.
Yes in the article itself
I really like what kawasaki did with the ultra though good to see them update it! How is the new brake/slow down system on the ultra compared to sea doo? I've tested between my gp and gtr and give the edge to sea doo between those brands.
Read the article - more details linked there
Kevin, to your knowledge is Kawasaki aware of the positive reception the new Ultra is getting and will this make the put some more effort into future skis e.g. maybe making two different N/A Ultras and an STX310. Build competitive skis that people want and they will sell!
There are a few new skis coming soon
I've been waiting for this. Thanks TWJ!
Thanks for sharing it!
I’m personally just wondering which is better for jumping waves?
Absolutely neither of them.
The side storage on the kawasaki looks like it would be easy to drop stuff in the lake. Other than that it looks bad ass!
Yes it appears like it would but it absolutely does not! There’s a very deep lip that keeps things from bouncing out. I personally pulled out GoPro cameras from the side at full speed again and again.
The gullwing storage is very functional. Holds a lot and dropping stuff is not the issue people bring up. I always liked the Sea Doo storage but didn't like the absence of cupholders. Never even thought about the fact you can't access it underway til mentioned here. That knocks it down a lot.
Great, honest, comparative review. Thanks guys.
Thanks for watching!
This is just fantastic information...thank you for your work, effort and knowledge!!!
You bet!
I'll be really curious to see what SeaDoo does with their next hull. I know you've said in previous videos that they acknowledge the flaws in their hull, especially when compared to their competitors. We'll see if they end up moving on from the ST3 in a shorter period than previous hulls.
Unlikely. Expect the full 9 year cycle out of this hull as per usual. -K
@@watercraftjournal Well that's a bummer. Lol
@@watercraftjournal So would you say the hull in the RXP is better? I’m looking for something better in chop so I was thinking RXT but would the RXP do better with the different hull or even worse?
I preordered a 2023 sea doo gtx 300 limited. I was wanting the wake pro 230 (for its wake sports options). When I learned I could add all the same features to the gtx limited 300, and that it and the wake pro would basically be the same ski, just one with more horsepower and different color. I went with the limited. I and some of my family enjoy water sports, skiing, wakeboarding, pulling kids on tubes). I liked the storage and the fact that sea doo had a ski specifically made for those sports.
Then I learned about the new kawi. And it’s impressive!!
We will only ever ride on lakes in the summer, and will probably avoid chop, since we’ll mostly be using this for water sports and giving the kiddos rides. For this reason I decided the “bow hunting.” In the chop Would probably not be a problem for us.
Am I wrong?
Should I have ordered this new kawi?
Sorry but we won’t tell you what to buy, only give our input/reviews of models.
@@watercraftjournal sorry, I didn’t mean to ask “what to buy”. But was just putting out there where my thoughts were.
I’ve never found a good tow sports comparison between brands. Ever thought of putting one out there?
I’ve found great info from watercraft journal. Thanks for the in-depths!
Our pleasure!
I have a GTX 300 limited and it's an awesome ski. You and the family will love it. Hang on when you go full throttle, it's one fast machine.
@@americanworker2604 I’m looking to buy one for family fun, not really into the crazy things :-) will this work for me? Have a 6&7 year old I want to cruise around with me
I think the Kawi 🤔 is a better looking machine 👌🏻also handles much better
Agreed
Looks like Sid from ice age from the front 🤣
Great comparison. Thanks for all the details.
You bet
Great review!!
Question what about range between the 2? Will the Kawasaki go further on a tank of fuel?
Never mind, read the article lol
I guess the seadoo is the one for me!! Range is a big deal for my riding
The supercharged Kawasaki is very thirsty.
I wonder if you do the same test on the ocean how that 5-60 and top speed would work out in favor of the kawi
Possibly but then it’s not really a repeatable test is it?
Kawi storage is a perfect example of style over substance. Like making a beautiful shoe that gives you blisters or a stylish Tucker car that you couldn't open the door cuz it would hit the curb.
Great comparison but honestly the looks of the seadoo is on another level compared to the ultra. There are way too many lines on the ultra and it’s just ugly to me (my opinion). The fx looks better than the ultra. The bow hunting is a issue I had in my T3 hull but was basically completely fixed with a cheap set of sponsons from riva. The real difference in those skis in terms of speed is crazy most people are getting 77-78 mph with a scom and a rear air intake on the gtx/rxtx where as the ultra is hard to get to 75. So below the bond line the ultra is the same as before which is tried and true in rough water and offshore. So the choice is where you ride and how you ride and what you like in terms of looks
Disagreed and disproven on several points: sponsons HELP don’t resolve the hull issue whatsoever (that’s why no racer runs the ST3); No RIVA sponsons are cheap 🤣; looks are subjective for sure; T3 is an RXP hull not RXT hull.
@@watercraftjournal well that’s what opinions are for and to say racers don’t use the st3 hull you need to look at racing again they may not be used in closed course but that racing is basically dead been there done that it was crap in 2011 and it’s crap now the st3 is used in aqua x but the fx and gp1800 are more dominant in that racing scene. I value the opinion from watercraft journal but just remember not everyone feels the same opinions are like assholes every has one and they all stink. Btw that ultra is ugly just like the color of that gtx. There isn’t a single thing you can do to make that ultra look better at least you can wrap that gtx. The ultra hasn’t looked good since the old two stroke days. 🤣
Actually, no. Not all opinions are the same because some are informed, experienced and routinely proven reliable. And others are just as you said, opinions.
Despite your entirely correct statement on the state of the racing scene, the ST3 was immediately adopted in 2018 by the offshore/endurance crowd and then rapidly dropped by ALL Sea-Doo racers in favor of the RXP-X (with many going back to older RXP-X models) due to the ST3's terrible design.
The ST3 is NOT used by any Top 10 racer in AquaX, nor has the hull ever (and I mean this literally) reached a podium since its introduction in 2018.
@@watercraftjournal yep definitely not in the top 10 you are right but have seen them. But let’s get this one straight too how many ultras have you seen in the top 10. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a ultra racing other than the Mark Hahn race. The problem with people’s opinions is 99% of people are biased to a brand or company no opinion is 100% unbiased. I enjoy you guys videos opinions and look forward to them being posted keep up the good content and remember I’m just some guy from Florida lol.
In briefly looking over the rankings, Kawasaki enters the fray routinely, particularly in the Endurance races. Prior to signing on with Broward, Eric Francis rode Kawasakis to national and global championships beating out HUGE players including Chris MacClugage, Troy Snyder and Erminio Iantosca. Others like Jason Russo did the same. Only after signing with larger sponsors did they switch to Yamaha.
Looking at them from the front while you speak Kevin shows just how different they are in size. The Kawasaki “ LOOKS” ginormous compared to the Sea Doo. Particularly in width.
As to weight, 120 lbs is a female passenger difference with the Kawasaki.
The image is deceiving but the numbers are still correct
@@watercraftjournal 120 lbs is 15 gallons of gas
120 lbs is two midgets.
@@watercraftjournal haha omg I’m rolling 😂
You didn’t mention braking, or did I miss it?
Seadoo wins in this category
The Kawi KSDR brake is decent, but doesn't come to a stop as sharply as the Sea-Doo for sure.
The host always bags on the sea doo. We get it, ya don't like sea doos
Nah seadoos are just sheet brah!! Get with the times. Only people that like seadoos are the fan boys!
I used to love seadoos, but every single one had an issue and let me down!!
As much as I don’t like the look of the Yamaha’s. They have been reliable and never let me down.
I might buy a Kawasaki in the future!! But seadoo, never again!!!
coming from a seadoo owner.... that Ultra is FN SICK. The front end looks like it wants to eat you... lol. Very nice machines too. Ive ran into a few at the lake.
Very cool! Too bad the orange is on the N/A model!
@@watercraftjournal - agreed
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE END OF THE YEAR SALES ON THESE SKIIS. KAWASAKI WAS A PIONEER BACK IN THE DAY OF STAND UPS BUT REALLY HAS FALLEN OFF, SEADOO IS A DOMINATING SKI WHICH SALES THAT CAN BE TOUCHED. ANY THOUGHTS? LOVE THE VIDEOS
Stop yelling at us!
Is this better? caps lock was on!
LOL glad you calmed down
@@watercraftjournal 😂
I kept looking for a gator while they were talking!!!
Fun fact: There was a very small gator off to Greg's right side (20-30ft. back). It was no longer than 2-feet long, but it was curious enough to hang out.
@@watercraftjournal 😀😂🤣
For your 5-60 seconds time results... I didnt hear it mentioned if the same rider was piloting each Ski or not? In your lists of comparisons I didn't hear it mentioned what the Load Capacity of each Ski was? I looked the Specs up, the Sea Doo's Capacity is 600 Lbs whereas the Kawasaki's is only 496 Lbs. Which gives the Sea Doo a big advantage to heavier Rider's with Passengers. Randy AKA randog311
We LITERALLY SHOWED YOU that Greg piloted both.
@@watercraftjournal I LITTERALLY must have MISSED IT (not worth my time watching it again)? My Bad
I dont get it.
"In all, the newly minted 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX beat out the Sea-Doo in most categories either by a considerable leap or just by a squeak. Sea-Doo fared better in speed numbers, superior fuel consumption, offering a drier, more comfortable ride and a lower price entry for sure."
"While the final results were close, we have to award the win to Ultra. The ride is just superior in nearly every imaginable metric."
So the seadoo gets better acceleration, speed numbers, better fuel consumption, better storage, a drier ride, a more comfortable ride, and costs less, but was allegedly blown away by the Kawi? And on the topic of ride, the ride in the Ultra was superior in nearly every imaginable metric, except for comfort?
No it’s very comfortable; a far, far superior ride; more features; better sound system; more storage; better interface; better build quality; etc. The ST3 hull is singularly the worst designed full sized 3-seater hull sold on the market today. The BRP Premium Tech Package failed every measurable metric we threw at it. The center storage is convenient but small, eliminates a functional glovebox, has zero provisions for a drink or sunscreen, and cannot be accessed (safely) at any speed above idle.
@@watercraftjournal hah! This is what I was looking for Kevin. I live on a small lake which can get choppy from other riders and boats or even wind. My entry level 2019 Sea Doo Wave 155 beats the crap out of me. Howeve I am 65 years old:-) ---
I have some VERY large lakes around me and want comfort and something that will handle chop. I don’t race or go crazy. This week I have a choice to purchase a 2023 Sea Doo GTX 300 Limited or a 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310 X.
After watching your video and tons of comments I’m going with ……………… Kawasaki 300X (it might even be the LX-S) thank you Kevin for your HUGE knowledge base and experience.
Best ways to make the Kawasaki quicker?
would you say these are the best two pwc?
For what application? For which class? For which price range?
Great video!!!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks Kevin. Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
I agree on the whole phone interface BS. Who needs music when you listen to the engine and the wind/water rushing around you ????? not me.
no FX?
Nope.
Kawasaki is winner 🏆💪🏻 better hull design
That’s a matter of opinion. The Kawi is a lot heavier as well.
And we explained why
@@alexnutcasio936 It’s not as big of difference as people make it out to be!
@@pajamatime5750 it looks huge and wet weight is 120 lbs more than Sink Doo, which means a whole other passenger
@@alexnutcasio936 It does but the weight difference when fully loaded isn’t much at all…. I have one. It’s a fantastic machine.
When they were talking about the sound system it really pissed me off. I own a 2023 Seadoo RXP-X 300 and I have a bunch of mods on it. I can get it up to 83mph. I can hear my sound system Clearly at 80mph so they are straight up lying to you saying that you can't hear the seadoo above 60mph.
It's absolutely muted at such speeds.
I'm wondering if Kawasaki has some cash in this game as you spend most of the video talking about the Kawasaki and not so much about the Sea Doo. Or is it just personal bias? I own both a Sea Doo and a Kawasaki, and I'm really biased toward neither. Each one has it's good points and it's bad points and more suited to different types of riding. I would like to have heard what conditions each of these excel in under a variety of water and weather conditions, not a one to one comparison. Secondly, you have two cruising jet skis and it seems as though you spent the entire time riding on flat water which says little to nothing about long range cruising in poor weather conditions. A much better evaluation would have to taken them to a location with some steady 10-15 mph winds and a significant amount of fetch. See how you feel after a day ride in that, and can you access your gear while stopped on the water. I've pretty much wasted 30 minutes of my time listening about all the features that I could have seen for myself down at the local dealership.
Thanks for watching!
This is why I like Yamaha the best
Why?
Seqdoo on top
Fucking fantastic review boys! Bravo and thank you
No battery included in weight, what a chear!
My problem is simply the design. Seadoo looks way better
25:53 this is why need goggle
I wish they could incorporate the hull tracking of the Kawi into the sea doo. I just find the ultra design so freakin ugly. Looks like the AMC Pacer of the jet ski world. I realize looks are subjective though :) Great comparison guys.
🤣 the Pacer?! C’mon it’s more of a ‘69 Stingray
@@watercraftjournal Haha! It looks more like a transport pod from spaceballs than a 69 Stingray Kevin. Comedically Japanese stylings. A little too much so ,for me. Each their own.
@craig hudson, I think the 310 looks badass. To me it looks like a mean Wart Hog. Wart hog loves to “root” around in the chop. 😅
St3 is great. Learn to ride , lol.
Seen both 310 videos by him and each is totally slanted to the 310. Oh the 300 is faster…. Well I really don’t count top speed… yeah because the 310 is slower. I notice they don’t run them against each other so you can see the 300 stomp the 310.
You bet the 300 is faster. It also rides like hot burning trash in ANY water above 18-inches in comparison.
Curious about the fuel consumption rate comparison.
Did you read the article?
Kawasaki has had fly by wire throttle body since 1st ultra 300 ski... If the facts matter...
Unfortunately it wasn’t a full digital engine control & management system until 2022. (In case facts matter.)
you have to be ignorant to buy any seadoo over a kawasaki or yamaha. they are cheaper for good reason
Leave your phones at home, kids.
But the kawi had more fuel in it!! Lol
Boohoo
I imagine 5 to 60 drag-racing in chop the Kaw will dominate
Potentially
So just get a Yamaha fx. Lol
We wanted the two big horsepower machines
When I having a Job's worked as ♎ government with allowance 🏠 singles storey corner rm600 I will buying a 🌊 runner 1300GP Yamaha with Limited New Edition RM 57,000 , Kawasaki Ultra 310xLP with price RM 76,690 and then Sea Doo RX300 with prices RM 87,570 and buying a Toyota's Hilux with price RM 95,879 4X4 single cab.
Clearly there's a language barrier happening here.
Stop the excuses. Seafood wins
Seafood is OK but not everyday.
Your forgetting 1thing. The kawi is ugly af
To some, yes
I love how the 310 looks. To me the FX looks bloated and soft. Seadoo looks a little better.
So ugly
The looks of the Kawi have done nothing but grow on me. Colors of LX are not my favorite but on the water in sunlight is very sharp. Orange and green LXS models are great as well as the x. The gullwing storage is very functional.
The Kawasaki is not nice looking in my opinion.
This shit is just comical The Sea-Doo has 25 gallons of storage and that’s not a lot. The Kawasaki has 10 gallons of storage that’s a lot ! like I get you love Kawasaki but come on dude.
I understand that you're retarded so I'll go slow: The Sea-Doo ST3 has 25 gallons TOTAL. The Kawasaki has 46.5 gallons of storage TOTAL (10 gallons in the glovebox/cowl storage). That's a difference of 21.5 gallons.
Awesome video's Kevin, always great content. I have a question im hoping you may provide your opinion. I'm torn between the Seadoo GTR 230 and Ultra 310LX. I am predominantly using it for ocean use, mostly light swell, to tow the kids on a tube and throw the ski around. Which would you suggest?
It's a shame about Greg